Online writing may include blogging, marketing copy, website content or newsletter content, and they all share the need for clarity. One of the first things we learn about writing online is that we have seconds to capture a reader and their attention span is short. Clear, concise writing wasn’t invented online, however, it has always been taught to writers as a best practice. Long before the Internet, George Orwell said, “If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.”
I have a full bookshelf of writing books and I hold certifications as an Editor, Technical Writer and Business Writer. It’s probably due to a love of writing that I still tend to meander and wander around a topic, even though I know better. The result is “wordy” writing that can lose the reader’s focus and with it, the main point. I correct it when I edit the finished copy, but I save myself a lot of time if I retain my focus in the first place. It’s a simple enough matter of writing for the reader instead of writing for the sheer joy of it.
Wordy writing may include word repetition, words with overlapping meanings, or long prepositional phrases. Word repetition in a paragraph is sometimes required for clarity but it should be kept to a minimum. Words with overlapping meanings include phrases like “the reason is because”, when one word makes the point, “because”.
Long prepositional phrases are the most common “wordy” problem, so we’ve designed the following infographic-style cheat sheet to keep us all in the proper web writing frame of mind. I’ve found just reading it over occasionally is enough to keep me focused. It’s OK to use long phrases for emphasis sometimes, but if you avoid using them habitually you will improve the clarity of your writing.
{You may use this infographic on your website with linked credit to Online Business Canada}
What wordy habits are you working on? Please share them in the comments below.
Source: Bates, Jefferson D. Writing with Precision: How to Write So That You Cannot Possibly Be Misunderstood
. 1994.
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Melody McKinnon is an internet entrepreneur with 25 years of experience in a wide range of online business models, backed by a formal business education and enhanced by training and mentorship. She has owned or managed both educational and ecommerce websites. Her book, 7 Recession Proof Online Businesses to Start From Home, is available from all major ebook retailers.
Melody has worked with many businesses & brands in a multitude of capacities. She can often be found on CanadianDigitalMedia.com, CanadiansInternet.com, CanadianFamily.net, and AllNaturalPetCare.com, as well as other quality digital publications. Her content has earned reference links from highly-respected websites, magazines and university textbooks.
Thanks for the work. Nice graphic. GO CANADA!
Love it! I saved the info graphic on my laptop where I do most of my writing. Thanks!
I just write. I’ve never had any training but all I do is blog so I don’t give it much thought. Now that I’m looking into starting a blog to monetize I’ll consider it more.
Very helpful! I don’t have your writing qualifications and that means I have a ton of learning to do. I enjoy writing though so I don’t mind learning about it. I hope you’ll share more of your knowledge in the future. Have a great day!